“The purpose of this exercise is to train and equip the armed forces of both countries in the planning and joint fire trainings. The exercise can also strengthen ties between the soldiers and between the officers,” he told reporters after a Mertak Bersatu and MALBRU Exercise Planning Conference (EPC) meeting at a hotel here, today.

The EPC meeting was jointly chaired by Ahmad Sham and Left Col Omar Shariff Hidop, the Commanding Officer of 1st Battalion, Royal Brunei Army.

Ahmad Sham said the biannual exercise is scheduled to be held in Kota Belud, Sabah and Miri, Sarawak in October.

Meanwhile, Omar Shariff said the EPC was the best platform to strengthen close ties between Brunei and Malaysia in military exercise.

“We take turns to play host (exercise). The EPC was held in Kuala Belait (Brunei) and this time it will be held in Malaysia. Via the EPC, our soldiers will train and learn from their Malaysian counterparts,” he added.-BERNAMA